New recruits considerably strengthen Sauber - Nasr

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Felipe Nasr believes Sauber's commitment to hiring key personnel gas considerably strengthened the Swiss team in the short term and has boosts its prospects for the future.

Sauber's recent takeover not only saved the Hinwill-based outfit from financial collapse, it also provided a salutary restructuring with fresh capital now available for investment.

The result has been the hiring of experienced ex-Toro Rosso engineer Xevi Pujolar as well as ex-Ferrari strategist Ruth Bunscombe, both of which are already starting to add value according to Nasr

"It's very positive to see that people are coming onto the team now," Nasr told Brazilian internet outlet UOL Esporte.

"They are coming into important areas for the development of the car. Right away, they could see the positives and negatives of our car and our procedures, which have a direct impact.

"For next year, the team is looking to strengthen with even more people, especially on the technical side, where we are somewhat limited. There are several key people who will join the team at the end of the year."

Nasr showed high praise for Pujolar in particular, the man who oversaw and guided Max Verstappen's apprenticeship at Toro Rosso.

"I liked his work there. Here, he is seeing how we work at the moment but I like the way he processes the information. He is very thorough and so far I have only seen very good things."

The Brazilian is hopeful that Singapore this weekend will provide a good opportunity for Sauber and himself to validate the team's most recent updates on its C35.

"It will be the first track where we will use all of the aerodynamics of the new package, assessing how much it will still be worth developing the car or switching our focus to next year."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.